This post is part of an ongoing series sharing the positive stories that have come out of the challenges our schools are facing. To see all of the posts in this series, click here.
In a short amount of time, COVID-19 has changed the way we live. The term social distancing is a new norm—and families around the world are forced to adapt to new routines. While the lives of many have changed significantly, one thing that has remained consistent is the drive of school leaders and teachers to continue serving their students the best way they can. Despite the problems many Americans are facing, there are many examples that show how educators are going the extra mile.
Detroit Charter Schools to Provide Weekly Grocery Pick-up
If you’ve traveled to a grocery store recently, chances are you’ve noticed many masked shoppers picking through bare shelves. Detroit’s charter school leaders plan to make the shopping experience a little easier by establishing a system where families can grab groceries once a week. They will provide a mixture of prepared meals and groceries for pick-up Monday through Friday in select locations. Detroit’s Mayor, Mike Duggan, praised the charter school community for swiftly stepping up to meet the needs of students and their families.
Teachers Ease Fear and Help Students Understand Changes
An elementary music teacher at Lincoln Charter School in Pennsylvania is gaining attention for her YouTube video explaining COVID-19 to her students. If you’re looking for a fun and easy-to-understand video to share with your kids, look no further. Key points she hit home: schools aren’t closed because teachers don’t want to be there, or because someone is sick, but that they are practicing being safe. For more information on how to continue the discussion of coronavirus with children, visit our resource page here.
The Nurse is In—Online!
Teachers at Purdue Polytechnic High School switched to teaching online just one day after school closed. On the first day, virtual attendance turned out to be higher than the school’s daily attendance average. The location change was easy for students to adapt to since they were routinely using laptops in class. And it’s not just the teachers who are going virtual—it’s truly all hands-on deck as many staff members have extended student services online. For example, the school nurse is offering yoga classes online to students who may be dealing with anxiety.
At Paramount Schools of Excellence, school administrators established a call center to assist parents with their academic and non-academic needs for children.
And, at Indianapolis Classical Schools school leaders are meeting families where they are—on their phones. Parents and students receive a daily text as assignments are submitted. Major props to all of these schools for adapting to change and meeting the needs of their students and parents!
If you have an uplifting story to share about educators going the extra mile, please send it to me at brittnee@publiccharters.org.
Brittnee Exum is the manager of communications and marketing at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
